Have you had a colonoscopy?

[babylonsister]

I'm 53 and my dr. has never suggested one. Alternately, my husband has been going to the same place as long as I have, and he just had his second colonoscopy on the advice of 'his' doctor. He also gets yearly chest ex-rays when I've been told by my doc they don't work.

Hmm.

And fwiw, my doc is a woman, his is a man.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. My dear babylonsister!

Yup, I've had one. I was overdue, and had some "symptoms."

Everyone should have one, starting at age 50, for screening. They are no big deal. The prep is not fun, but the procedure is easy...you're unconscious.

Yearly chest x-rays? Nah. Unless you have some awful lung disease.

:hi:

[babylonsister]

6. You've had one?

I'm not convinced. :)

Are you due? Or done?

I talked to my 82-yr old dad tonight; nah-ah. He's not going there. Nor is his 83 year-old honey.

Neither have had one.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

7. Yup, I had one.

You're supposed to have them every five years or so. My MD said, "See you in seven years." I'll have to check, since I don't remember how long ago it was...

Your dad and his honey are lucky. Colon CA is common, and more so as you get older. They've likely dodged that bullet.

DO IT. It's not a big deal, honest.

And it's a terrific screening tool. I say this as a now-retired RN, OK?

:hug:

[grannie4peace]

37. it's easy & afterward you feel real good:)

[tblue37]

60. I had mine last year. Doc says that unless something causes

concern, we can wait 10 years for the next one.

[Jack Bone]

2. yeah...they were trying to diagnose my stomach pains a

few years back..the procedure's not that big of a deal.

[abq e streeter]

3. they can save your life--I 've had 2; one routine, one not , but both were OK

and as posted above this, ain't no big deal and actually now that they've got a prep solution that 's just a small amount to drink ( as opposed to the gallon of what tastes like soapy water) , its no worse than after eating at taco bell...I have heard recently that there may be some kinds of lesions/ polyps they may not catch, so may want to ask your Dr. about this---hope this isn't construed by mods as medical advice; just saying advice is : ask the doc...

[MurrayDelph]

4. I just turned 56

and had what turned out to be my first one six months ago (What I thought was my first one a few years earlierwas just a sigmoidoscopy; same idea, not as deep, and they don't put you to sleep. According the "Larroquette" show, they call it a sigmoidoscope because that's the sound you make when they are using the machine.).

The doctor I went to has you come in before the prep to "sell you" on the necessity of the procedure. I assured him no sales pitch was needed, as both my father and sister had malignant polyps (although in both cases they died of something else).

In my case, they also found polyps, but they were benign (at least at that stage). According to my RN wife, it's the only test that prevents the disease they are looking for.

Three years from now I get to do it again.

[babylonsister]

9. Good. You are a good reason to celebrate them. Thanks. nt

[JerseygirlCT]

53. I think sigmoidoscopes are worse, actually

I've had many of them, and it's uncomfortable - since there's no sedation.

[fortyfeetunder]

57. Yes, sigmoidoscopy -- the true definition of "PITA"!

The sigmoidoscopy was damn uncomfortable to experience, a true pain in the ass. Though I was able to see the procedure on the TV monitor. I'll opt for the colonoscopy next time.

[ddiver]

5. It is the best thing to prevent death since vaccinations. DO IT.

[Mind_your_head]

8. Must be nice to have insurance to cover routine (preventive) screenings....

I only wish....

[Adsos Letter]

10. I am 53, and I have had 3 of them (one when I had colitis as a young guy)

Definitely request one. They are much less uncomfortable than they used to be; my doc knocked me out for the last two, I never felt a thing. And they are excellent for early detection of colon cancer, which is fundamental to treatment of that killer.

[Ron Green]

11. I get 'em just for the Fentanyl and Versed the doc gives me.

Yowza.

[babylonsister]

15. What is versed? My husband had that and demerol, then proceeded

to tell me he was fine and saw the whole thing. Without a lick of pain. :eyes:

[Tangerine LaBamba]

21. I don't know what I got,

but there was absolute NO pain. None. I was just wide-awake and hungry when it was over.

Don't be afraid, kiddo. It's really easy.

When I took my mother for hers, about ten years ago, I was standing beside her bed when she woke up - right across from the nurses' station - and as she opened her eyes, she loudly announced, "They gave me Ecstasy!"

Broke everyone up. She was a gem..................

[Hekate]

32. Mr. H was high as a kite and flirting with all the nurses while getting reamed...

Me, I was out like a light.

Hekate

[JerseygirlCT]

54. I don't know what they used the second time - the first was valium

that was lovely. I chatted throughout the procedure - doc gave me a tour of my insides.

I asked the nurse if I could have some "to go", but strangely enough, she didn't think so!

[Tangerine LaBamba]

12. Yep............

Had a colonoscopy and an endoscopy at the same time. I had no trouble drinking that stuff, but then I threw it up just as the gastroenterologist walked in - I was a hospital patient at the time.

She said not to sweat it, they had a really small scope they could use, so I didn't sweat it.

They were awfully nice, I was my usual chatty self until the handsome French anesthesiologist smiled at me, and the next thing I knew, I was waking up. No soreness, nothing. I couldn't believe it had been done.

Got such a good report from the gastroenterologist, she kept coming to visit me in my room. We shared a love of Italy, though, and we had lots to talk about. But, she also said she doesn't get to deliver such good news very often, so she was enjoying telling me how healthy my system was, over and over.

I asked her when I should next have it done, and she told me to check back in ten years.

Do it.......................

[NYC_SKP]

13. Hell yeah! I've had two!

The first one routine, the second one to check on a polyp seen in the first one.

It was cool, the fleets enema the day before is "different".. :P

I was just conscious enough during the procedure to watch some of the video, in and out of consciousness, really.

No ill effects afterwards.

The fasting and cleanout the day before is the...

...wait for it...

big pain in the ass!

:toast:

[emilyg]

18. Same here - had

two. Polyps snipped. Really no big deal. I agree about the fasting and clean-up.

[TahitiNut]

14. I don't know that I'd want to have anything to do with someone who'd look at me like that.

:dunce:

[Tangerine LaBamba]

19. Trust me -

a few drinks, a puff or two, some dancing, and pretty soon, there's a camera up your ass.

You know, another Friday night in LaBambaLand ........................

[Fearless]

16. Been there and done that.

It's not a big deal really. Most doctors suggest people over 50 get them. Mine was for medical reasons, but the same difference. You feel sore for a few hours afterward. Better safe than sorry if you can afford it.

So far as I have been told, the x-ray (either with barium or a CT scan with barium and iodine- both of which I've also had) don't pick up as much as the actual visual scan can because they only see larger areas of inflammation or distortion. Essentially they outline the colon (highlight it if you will) and are good at finding blockages or twists or large obstructions, tumors, etc. Of course, cancer and whatnot start off very small and are much easier to deal with in their earliest stages which is why a colonoscopy is better. So I've been told.

[NV Whino]

17. I'm scheduled for one on Monday

Sunday will be a bitch.

I've had a sigmoidoscopy before and it was a piece of cake... uh so to speak.

[Tangerine LaBamba]

23. No..........

This is cake:

[Fearless]

26. No silly... this is Cake...

:rofl:

[Tangerine LaBamba]

27. Would you believe I have one of their albums?

But, see, I'm old.

(That was really, really funny. Good one!)

Cake =

[Fearless]

33. Well...

My grandmother (not comparing you in any way to her though) asked me, a few years back, to show her how to use AIM. So I said I would but I asked her why she wanted to. I couldn't imagine than any of her friends (she's in her mid 80's) would be using AIM. She replied defiantly that "no one who can use the internet is old!" And my grandmother is never wrong. You could ask her and she'd tell you. She's never wrong. So, you can't be old.


Oh and cake also =

[Tangerine LaBamba]

34. Your grandmother

sounds like one terrific woman. No, I'm not in her category yet, but when I get there, I hope I'm half as hip as she is.

But, I'm never wrong, either, so I guess we already have something in common.

Here's to you, kid................

:toast:

[Fearless]

35. And to a long list of clean colonoscopies...

:toast:



:rofl:

[JerseygirlCT]

56. This will be easier

The prep isn't as bad as it has been - as someone said up-thread, no more gallons and gallons of nasty stuff to drink.

Get yourself good TP, and something to read - you'll just spend Sunday going a lot.

The procedure itself is nothing - they sedate you - or sometimes knock you right out - you wake up and it's all done!

[Digit]

20. I had it done in one of those specialty clinics

I didn't have health insurance at the time but had been having scary symptoms which I later figured out were due to a sensitivity to high fructose corn syrup. The cost was half the price of the hospital and they treated me with the utmost care and understanding. I can't speak highly enough of the nurses or the doctor.
The worst part was the prep, drinking all that crap, but the rest was a breeze.
I can just recall after they gave me something wonderful that I looked at the doctor and said I guess we are going to be getting close and personal. He laughed and that was all I remember.
Afterwards he gave me the all clear. Huge relief.

With the symptoms I had been having, I was afraid to eat, so I ate mostly soup and plain crackers.
What I had QUIT was my recent addiction to cherry flavored cola. I had thought the "sugar" would make me feel better and I kept drinking it.

I still have to watch intake on HFCS and chocolate or I get the familiar pains in my stomach and break out in a cold sweat. Needless to say I need to be near a bathroom during these times and dare not venture out. I won't go into the other gross symptoms which made me get the colonoscopy, but I am glad I did it.

Self pay was just over $800.

[babylonsister]

28. OTOH, you could be very lucky you're allergic to that stuff.

I know it's in a lot of food. You're a lot more aware than I am.

Thanks for your story.

I'll consider it. :D

[cherokeeprogressive]

22. 48 and not yet. My doctor did a colonofingerscopy last year though. Hated it.

For what it's worth, he said it wasn't the high point of his day either.

[flamin lib]

24. Yeah, get it done. Only advice I have is the way you drink the stuff

that "cleans" the colon. You're supposed to drink 8 oz every ten minutes (I think). Don't sip it. Pour two four oz glasses and chug it. Take a deep breath and chug the first one and wait just long enough to get over it and chug the second.

It's a texture thing. The flavor isn't bad and would be fine if ya' could add a jigger of vodka to it . . .

[Tangerine LaBamba]

36. I thought it tasted like

clam broth. It wasn't at all unpleasant.

Unfortunately, I threw it all up, but that was why I was in the hospital in the first place, so it didn't really matter. They have other ways of getting the job done......................

[TreasonousBastard]

25. I'm 62 and I've had three-- my father died from...

colon cancer when he was 53, so they worry a little more about me.

The only reason I can think of that your doctor hasn't ordered one for you is that colon cancer is less common for women so she's putting it off for a while longer. If it's an HMO or managed care, she might be thinking of the cost. Maybe ask for one just for peace of mind-- it's minimally risky and very effective.

The chest X-ray I can see not doing annually. X-rays do carry a bit more risk for less diagnostic reward if there are no symptoms.

[buzzycrumbhunger]

29. I'm not a doctor. . .

but I transcribe these by the hundreds. The procedure takes all of about 5-10 minutes. They normally give you Versed and Demerol or fentanyl to knock you into a twilight sleep (not fully anesthetized). Every once in a while, you get some macho fool who insists on NO sedative, and the odds are split as to whether the doc relating the tale will be laughing about it or sucking wind because it's so unpleasant to watch. (It can't be easy to get them to be still with a camera snaking its way up to the small bowel.)

Family history or previous polyps, they're going to have you come in more often, but if they find nothing, they'll tell you 8-10 years is often enough. Considering that colon cancer is such a major killer (mostly from the fact that it later metastasizes to other organs, especially the liver), it's really a minor inconvenience. If you've got insurance that covers preventive care, there's no reason not to take advantage of it.

In my experience, male and female doctors are trained the same way and don't really seem to differ in how they treat men V women. The bigger difference seems to be that some are less pushy about prescribing expensive procedures and others seem to view it as their bread and butter. A couple days a week running people through the endoscopy suite is probably a good racket. I get the feeling it often takes them longer to dictate the report at the end than it did to actually deal with the patient.

[Ms. Toad]

46. My daughter has an illness that requires regular

colonoscopies - so I pay attention to the research on these. As to no sedative v. conscious sedation v. full anesthesia they have just released a study that shows colonoscopies done under full anesthesia are more effective at actually catching anything out of the ordinary.

FWIW - my daughter at 18 is going for #3 this summer - her first at age 4 (and because of a newly diagnosed illness that increases her risk even more now has to have one every year). My spouse and I have each had 1. The prep is a pain - if they give you the low volume prep don't drink it too quickly or it doesn't have a chance to work its way down and things come out the wrong way, if you get my drift - but the colonoscopy itself is no big deal.

My daughter and spouse had theirs done in the hospital. Mine was in a stand-alone clinic. Their pre-procedure crew got a bit flustered and flubbed the threading the IV (forgot to tie the arm off above the insertion point and - duh - couldn't find the vein).

My daughter just had a sigmoidoscopy (I had one of those too and prefer a colonoscopy) - they let her watch the camera display on the monitor - she thought it was cool.

[Hekate]

30. The prep is better than it used to be--less cramping, more directions for comfort measures...

Oh yes, I've had it done, and so has my hubby. A colonoscopy is the roto-rooter all the way up, while the sigmoidoscopy only goes up a relatively short way -- however the prep is the same. With the sig you don't need drugs, but for the colonosc you do.

Hubby's ulcerative colitis didn't show on the sigmoidoscopy, but was readily apparent with the colonosc., and we have the color photos to prove it. This diagnosis allowed him to start getting effective treatments that put him into remission.

In my case it was a lot less drastic because I wasn't bleeding like Mr. H did for over a year. When your husband is that sick your own troubles don't seem worth mentioning. However things in my own system had slowed down to a stop and turned to stone, which my regular doc didn't seem to think was that much of a problem (I like the guy but I hope he gets an impaction of his own some fine day). Mr. H's gastroenterologist, however, listened to me and then had a look. It turns out I have IBD, and there is a treatment that is effective.

Furthermore, I knew a guy from work whose complexion had turned gray. Believe me, he didn't look good at all. However, he apparently didn't have any symptoms that triggered a sense of alarm in him, because it was only because he was about to change medical plans (to one that didn't pay for an annual physical but was cheaper) that he got a complete physical including sigmoidoscopy. Whoopsie--he had quite the case of colon cancer. Next time I passed him in the hallway, that is after he got out of the hospital, I was sure I'd see a guy who looked sicker because he'd just had rather drastic surgery. But no, all the color had come back to his face because his body was no longer sick with cancer that was trying to kill him.

It's not a pleasant procedure, but like going to the dentist it's something you do for your health.

Hekate

Edited to add that I had an endoscopy at the same time. I was in the Twilight Zone because I asked for extra sedatives because of my gag reflex.

[EFerrari]

31. I haven't but my cousin who is about 5 years young than we are

did and found out she was dealing with cancer. She's doing fine but, had she waited, it would have been very, very bad news.

[Ohio Joe]

38. Yes

My GP suggested I get one when I turned 40, and then one every 5 years as long as they came back "clean". I decided to follow his advice and had my second one a little over a year ago.

[cornermouse]

39. If you don't like needles and the idea of unconscious sedation

there may be an alternative.

http://www.medicinenet.com/virtual_colonoscopy/page2.htm#tocc

Virtual colonoscopy is a technique that uses a computerized tomographic (CT) scan (a type of three-dimensional x-ray) to construct virtual images of the colon that are similar to the views of the colon obtained by direct observation by optical colonoscopy.

although you may have to pay for it yourself because medicare decided they didn't want to.


Possible alternative for the upper end...

http://www.medicinenet.com/capsule_endoscopy/page3.htm

Capsule endoscopy is a technology that uses a swallowed video capsule to take photographs of the inside of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. For capsule endoscopy, the intestines are first cleared of residual food and bacterial debris with the use of laxatives and/or purges very similar to the laxatives and purges used before colonoscopy. A large capsule-larger than the largest pill-is swallowed by the patient. The capsule contains one or two video chips (cameras), a light bulb, a battery, and a radio transmitter. As the capsule travels through the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine, it takes photographs rapidly. The photographs are transmitted by the radio transmitter to a small receiver that is worn on the waist of the patient who is undergoing the capsule endoscopy. At the end of the procedure, approximately 24 hours later, the photographs are downloaded from the receiver into a computer, and the images are reviewed by a physician. The capsule is passed by the patient into the toilet and flushed away.

[mainer]

40. Get one. It may be the only one you need to have.

Colon cancers tend to be very slow-growing. If your exam is completely normal, with no suspicious lesions at all, then you're probably good for at least another 10 years, if not for life. I was told by a GI specialist that it takes decades for a lesion to develop into a full-blown cancer.

[kckc]

41. in case you haven't got the message

just do it :) The prep is a breeze now. Pills taken with clear liquid at specific times the day before is it. You will be starving but it is worth it. My family has a long history of early-onset colon cancer and my brother and sister have already started getting (benign, so far) polyps in their 40s. Luckily mine was clear but another good reason to do it is to give your family peace of mind. My father gets quite worried about us kids until he knows for sure everything is benign. And, BTW, he is a 30+ year, 3-time colon cancer survivor, so it is definitely survivable.

[JerseygirlCT]

59. I was also allowed to have as much Ensure as I wanted throughout the prep

so hunger wasn't even too bad.

[goclark]

42. I would do it

I first got one when I was about 55.

The prep was not fun but I had colitis and I learned a lot from the doctor about what I should/shouldn't eat.

Three years later they found polyps and removed them -- warned me not to eat nuts etc.

They told me to come back for another one in three years (boy did the time go by fast.)

Almost three years to the day I was having bubbles in my stomach and certain foods did not agree with me at all.

Hurried to schedule the test and I am so elated that I did -- the prep was still a pain but much better than the first preps.

Even before the procedure he told me to take Activia/yogurt twice a day to settle my stomach. It has worked so far!

I also needed to take off some pounds and I followed his suggestions and I have lost 5 lbs. and I exercise more than before.

Dr.said my results were great and to check with him if I continued to experience any problems with my stomach. He told me to keep taking the Yogurt everyday and gave me a list of items that would help me.

So, I say do it!

This time he told me to call him if I had any problems amd he gave me a photo of the areas screened for my records. He is excellent!

One more thing for everyone.

A dear friend of mine had Heart problems and he told me if you feel that your doctor is not doing what you feel is not for you, if you feel you need another doctor, shop around, ask friends, go on the internet and read comments that you trust about that specialist -- and since you own your own body, "TIRE THE DOCTOR" if need be.

He told me that 12 years ago and I have "Fired" two doctors and I'm thrilled with the results.

[CTyankee]

43. I've had two. The first was diagnostic because of my symptoms. Turns out I had severe diverticulitis

Because I was experiencing an active infection at the time, the sedation was not enough. I woke up during the procedure because I was feeling it. And of course I remember it vividly. That is not the case for you so you should have a different outcome.

My second colonoscopy was considered routine. However, due to some extensive complications I had had from elective surgery to cure the diverticulitis I had to have a slightly different colonoscopy: my clearing the night before was "gentler" and I received anesthesia, not just sedation and I didn't feel anything. However, I was sleepy most of the day.

You shouldn't have any problems. That being the case, it'll be one less thing for you to worry about, and that's all good isn't it?

[nuxvomica]

44. I put mine off for a couple of years

Then I had a minor temporary intestinal upset and was worried that there might be something worse going on so I relented. The prep is the worst part just because you're so damn hungry but the actual procedure was a breeze. I didn't need much medication cuz the doctor said I had a very straight colon so there was no need for a lot of moving the instrument around in there. I watched the whole thing while it was happening and they even found one little polyp which was removed with a quick splatter of blood. It was like watching a very unartfully designed first-person shooter game.

[old mark]

45. I put them off, but you guys are talking me into one......bummer.....nt

[abq e streeter]

49. glad you're being talked into it.

its not exactly the most enjoyable day of your life, but it really isn't any big deal either and as you've obviously figured out, its one uncomfortable day to possibly save your life.I'd personally like to see the ( formerly) singing bass player around and healthy for a good long time.

[Vinca]

47. I've had a couple. The worst part is the preparation . . .

and the bill if you happen to be uninsured like me. I think the first one I had which found and removed a few benign polyps probably saved me from grief later on.

[Cleita]

48. I get one every five years. Polyps are found and removed. I can't

imagine anything worse than that type of cancer if the polyps are cancerous. The doctor who does mine is such a nice person too. Maybe you need a second opinion.

[sendero]

50. Yes..

.... the procedure itself is a breeze, the preparation is a nightmare.

Hoping to wait a while before the next one :)

[Turk 182]

51. Just do it

I'm 64 and have had 4. Had polyps removed on first three. It was nothing. Prep is a bit uncomfortable sometimes, but also no big deal. The "cleanser" I use dissolves in soda or juice and there is no taste to it at all.
My good friend, a woman of the same age, never had one until she began having problems like pain and blood. She was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer- not good. Luckily, she has survived, but not without residual problems from scar tissue. This never would have happened had she had regular colonoscopies every few years. A word to the wise----

[JerseygirlCT]

52. 2 so far, another next year - every 5 years

And I'm 48. But I also have crohn's.

My husband (same age) has not yet had one - I think he will at 50 - but he doesn't have the same gut problems I do.

Curious as to why gender would matter with a colonoscopy... Maybe it's just a case of different docs with different ideas? Have you asked her about one? I thought 50 was when they recommended starting.

And for when you do have one - they're really not nearly as bad as they sound. The prep is the worst - but even that's not so bad anymore. They usually sedate you and it's really no big deal.

[incapsulated]

55. The colonoscopy was easy, the prep... well.....

Lets just say I was up all night after the laxative I had to take. Maybe it was me but be prepared.

:/

The procedure itself was nothing, gave me a sedative and I barely knew what was happening.

[DFW]

58. Two so far

Especially with a typical American diet, every over-50 should get one. My first was at 51, and they found
a polyp, which was e benign. They removed it, and said back in 3 years. Three years later, I went in for the
next one. I was totally clean, and so now it was five years until the next one. Colon cancer is one of the
most silent cancers there is. It is often too late by the time you notice it. A colonoscopy doesn't guarantee
they'll find everything, but it greatly reduces the risk you'll get a colon cancer that will kill you because
it wasn't detected in time.

The prep is ugly, but harmless. Gotta do it!

[mudplanet]

61. go get one

After age 50-55 you should get one, and then, based on their findings, get them on a regular basis (typically every five years). Just ask your doctor to refer you for one.